CLOSE

Search

Quick Links

Information

About SWOSU
Campus Map
Campus Visit
News & Blog
SWOSU Directory
SWOSU Events
SWOSU Jobs
Commencement

Departments

Bookstore
Campus Police
Clothes Closet
Food Pantry
Library
Stafford Archives

Audiences

Concurrent Students
Current Students
Faculty & Staff
Future Bulldogs
SWOSU Alumni
Content Loading
Skip to main content

Financial Aid Degree Audit

Financial Aid Degree Audit FAQ

The regulations apply to all students receiving financial aid from federal and some state sources

The federal regulation governing student financial aid indicates that a student enrolled in courses that do not count towards the degree cannot be used to determine enrollment status.

Federal TIV aid and state financial aid programs are affected. Federal aid includes the Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loans, Graduate and Parent PLUS loans, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and federal workstudy. State financial aid affected includes Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG). *Current SWOSU policy does not use My Progress in determining eligibility for institutional aid (SWOSU funded academic scholarships and grants).

Elective classes are eligible up to the number of electives permitted for the student's degree, as per the prgoram's degree requirments.

An admited student can receive TIV aid for a remedial course that increases the ability of a student to pursue a course of a student leading to the degree.

If a student is repeating a course that was previously failed, the student is eligible to receive financial aid for that course. If a student is repeating a course that was previously passed with a D or better (or 'Satisfactory' grade), the student can receive financial aid for the repeated course one additional time. This applies even if the student did not receive financial aid when they passed the course.

A student who is classified as an undergraduate student can receive TIV aid to pay for only those courses (required electives or otherwise)which apply toward the student's undergraduate degree completion requirements. If a student is classified as an undergraduate by SWOSU but is taking graduate courses that do not count toward their undergraduate degree requirements, this can create issues. This is especially problematic in terms where the student is enrolled only in courses that do not apply toward their undergraduate degree. In such cases, the student will be considered enrolled less than half-time for enrollment reporting and financial aid purposes.

Once registered, students will see a message in their Self-Service portal that lets them know that they are not eligible for the respective award if their courses do not qualify them for part time, three-quarter time, or full-time enrollment. Student Financial Services will also be monitoring and notifying students weekly that may need additional advising.

A student will first need to work with the office of Academic Records regarding questionable courses and degree program requirements. If it is determined that a course or courses will not be eligible in a student's program, please advise them to talk to a Student Financial Services counselor to determine the significance of the change in the financial aid. sfs@swosu.edu or 580-774-3796.

All degree and graduation requirements are outlined in the undergraduate or graduate catalog. Your catalog year is determined by the semester of your first enrollment at SWOSU (ex: If you first enrolled at SWOSU during Fall 2020 or Spring 2021, your program requirements would be under the 2020-2021 catalog). Additionally, you can view your program requirements in MyProgress in Self-Service. 

Your advisor’s information is located in Self Service under Student Planning >> Go To Plan & Schedule >> Advising.

All degree and graduation requirements are outlined in the undergraduate or graduate catalog. Discuss your program requirements with your advisor during your initial advising appointment.

All degree and graduation requirements are outlined in the undergraduate or graduate catalog. Discuss your program requirements with your advisor during your initial advising appointment.

All degree and graduation requirements are outlined in the undergraduate or graduate catalog. Courses listed in My Progress are the courses required for your degree.

A Degree Check assess your progress toward your degree. We recommend that students request a Degree Check at the beginning of their 2nd academic year at SWOSU. Transfer students should request a Degree Check during their first semester. Degree Check Requests can be submitted here: https://bulldog.swosu.edu/student-services/registrar/degree-check.php.

Course substitutions are requested through Etrieve.

If your program has free elective hours available, unrelated courses will fall into this category. If your program does not require free elective hours available, that course would likely not be covered by federal financial aid.

Always follow your degree plan and enroll only in those courses that are required for your degree completion. Notify the Office of Academic Records promptly of any program changes or modifications. Request a Degree Check and monitor your degree progress closely. Regularly meet with your faculty advisor to ensure that you are on the right path towards graduation.

Who is responsible for making sure that my courses are required and that all my degree requirements are met?

What Does This Mean for You? 

  • Financial Aid Eligibility: Federal financial aid (such as Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans, etc.) will only cover courses that are required for your degree program.  
  • Review Your Degree Plan: It’s important to ensure that the courses you are enrolling in align with your degree requirements. If you are taking any courses that are outside your degree plan, they will not be covered by federal financial aid. 
  • Impact on Enrollment: If you plan to take any additional or elective courses that do not count toward your degree, you will be responsible for covering the cost of those courses out of pocket. 

What Should You Do Now? 

  • Review Your Degree Plan: Log into Self Service and review your degree plan in “My Progress” to ensure you are enrolling in courses that meet your graduation requirements. 
  • Consult with an Advisor: If you have questions about which courses are eligible or need help understanding your degree plan, please reach out to your academic advisor. They are here to help you stay on track and make sure your course choices align with your academic goals. For further assistance you can contact Academic Records. 

Additional Resources: